Business
I have a strong background in political economy and gender analysis, drawing on original research and reaching beyond the usual circles to include marginalised voices to generate relevant and actionable recommendations for clients. I design and set up processes for development programmes to integrate high quality gender and political economy analysis across all areas of work from programme design and management to product.
I combine extensive field experience including in volatile security situations, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa (especially in DR Congo) and the Middle East, with rigorous academic research and a proven track record in policy advocacy. I have researched and written numerous papers and publications – some of the public ones are available here – on mediation, peacebuilding, security sector reform, and transitional justice. Women’s rights, and particularly women’s participation in economic and political life, as well as in peace and transitional justice processes, are particular interests.
I am an experienced facilitator, and advise organisations on advocacy, organisational development and strategic planning, often in complex security environments.
I am a part-time Senior Associate for Gender, Peace and Security at the European Peacebuilding Liaison Office (EPLO), and I combine consultancy with academic research. I have a PhD in Political Science from the University of Ghent, Belgium. I am currently a Visiting Scholar at the Transitional Justice Institute, University of Ulster. I taught ‘Transitional Justice and Rule of Law Programming’ to postgraduates at the Brussels School of International Studies (University of Kent), where I was a visiting lecturer (2012-2013).
My clients include:
- Oxfam EU
- Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) Rule of law programme
- Pax for Peace
- The Department for International Development, UK (DFID) in Kinshasa
- The Department for International Development, UK (DFID) in the Occupied Palestinian Territory
- PwCS
- Adam Smith International
- European Peacebuilding Liaison Office
- HD Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue
- Conciliation Resources
- European Council on Foreign Relations
- Swedish Embassy in Kinshasa
- International Alert
- International Center for Transitional Justice
- giz – Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit GmbH
- PeaceNexus Foundation
- Life and Peace Institute
- Finn Church Aid / Kirkon Ulkomaanapu
- Mediateur: the European Forum for International Mediation and Dialogue
- Partners for Democratic Change International/Partners for Democratic Change
- Saferworld
I work in English and French. My full CV is available on LinkedIn.
In 2014, I established my own consulting firm, Laura Davis Consulting Ltd, registered in Belgium (company and VAT registration number BE 0560665938).